Portable volatile material dispenser and method of simulating a flame in same

ABSTRACT

A portable volatile material dispenser includes a housing having a top wall and at least one side wall and an opening formed within the top wall of the housing. A volatile material actuator is disposed within the housing and a manifold is in fluid communication with and extends between the volatile material actuator and the opening to move volatile material in the form of a mist from the volatile material actuator, through the manifold, and out the opening. A container holding a fluid is disposed within the housing and in fluid communication with the volatile material actuator. An air flow generator disposed within the housing and positioned to create a flow of air out of the dispenser through the opening for moving the mist from the dispenser.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates generally to volatile material dispensersand, more particularly, to volatile material dispensers that emit a mistof volatile material therefrom.

2. Description of the Background of the Invention

Various volatile material dispensers are known in the prior art andgenerally include a housing with a refill inserted therein. The refillgenerally includes a container for holding a volatile material therein.In some dispensers, the volatile material is passively emittedtherefrom. In other dispensers, a diffusion element is utilized tofacilitate the dispensing of the volatile material. Examples ofdiffusion elements include heaters, piezoelectric elements, venturis,fans, aerosol actuators, and the like. Regardless of the manner in whichthe volatile material is emitted, once the volatile material has beenexpended from the refill, the refill is removed by a user and replacedwith a new refill.

Many consumers desire a multi-sensory experience when purchasing andusing a volatile material dispenser. For example, consumers would liketo see lights and/or hear music in combination with the scent experiencefrom a volatile material dispenser. Dispensers have therefore beendesigned to combine scent, light, and/or sound to enhance the usersensory experience. For example, one such dispenser includes a housingcapable of accepting a volatile material refill, wherein volatilematerial is emitting from the refill by way of a piezoelectric actuator.The dispenser further includes a light emitting diode (LED) thatflickers to emulate the light of a candle. The smell of the volatilematerial in combination with the LED provide the consumer with theexperience of a real scented candle.

SUMMARY

According to one illustrative embodiment, a portable volatile materialdispenser includes a housing having a top wall and at least one sidewall and an opening formed within the top wall of the housing. Avolatile material actuator is disposed within the housing and a manifoldis in fluid communication with and extends between the volatile materialactuator and the opening to move volatile material in the form of a mistfrom the volatile material actuator, through the manifold, and out theopening. A container holding a fluid is disposed within the housing andin fluid communication with the volatile material actuator. An air flowgenerator is disposed within the housing and positioned to create a flowof air out of the dispenser through the opening for moving the mist fromthe dispenser.

According to another illustrative embodiment, a portable volatilematerial dispenser comprises a housing, an opening formed within a wallof the housing, and a volatile material actuator spaced from the openingfor dispensing mist through the opening. A container holding a fluid isdisposed within the housing in communication with the volatile materialactuator to transport the fluid to the volatile material actuator. Anair flow generator is positioned within the housing to create a flow ofair out of the dispenser through the opening for moving the volatilematerial in the form of a mist from the dispenser. A plurality of lightemitting diodes are disposed longitudinally below and aligned with aprofile of the opening for illuminating the mist emitted from thedispenser to simulate a flame.

According to a further illustrative embodiment, a method of simulating aflame in a portable volatile material dispenser includes the step ofdispensing mist from a volatile material actuator within the portabledispenser, wherein the mist is dispensed through an opening in theportable dispenser. The method further includes the steps of providing aflow of air through the opening to move the mist out of the dispenserand illuminating portions of the mist to create the illusion of a flame.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 perspective view of a top, front, and first side of a volatilematerial dispenser;

FIG. 2 is a top elevational view of the volatile material dispenser ofFIG. 1, depicting an opening in a top wall of the dispenser;

FIG. 3 is a view similar to the view of FIG. 1 with a sidewalls and atop wall removed from the dispenser to depict internal components of thedispenser;

FIG. 4 is a view similar to the view of FIG. 3 with further componentsremoved from the dispenser of FIG. 1 to illustrate a manifold throughwhich volatile material is released and around which a flow of air isreleased;

FIG. 5 is a rotated cross-sectional view taken generally along the lines5-5 of FIG. 1, depicting a wick extending from a refill, wherein thewick is in fluid communication with a piezoelectric actuator thatdispenses volatile material from the wick into the manifold, wherein airflowing around the manifold moves the volatile material away from thedispenser and, when used in combination with light sources, simulates amoving flame;

FIG. 6 is a rotated cross-sectional view taken generally along the lines6-6 of FIG. 1, depicting the refill, the piezoelectric actuator, and themanifold of FIG. 5 and further depicting an air flow generator thatprovides a flow of air around the manifold;

FIG. 7 is an enlarged cross-sectional view indicated by the label 7-7 inFIG. 6, depicting the wick of the refill in communication with thepiezoelectric actuator of FIG. 5 and the piezoelectric actuator in fluidcommunication with the manifold;

FIG. 8 is an enlarged, rotated cross-sectional view indicated by thelabel 8-8 in FIG. 6 and depicting the air flow generator; and

FIG. 9 is a rotated cross-sectional view taken generally along the lines6-6 with the manifold and housing removed therefrom to shown bafflesformed around the manifold for directing air through various air flowpathways, wherein an opposite side of the dispenser includes similarbaffles.

Other aspects and advantages of the present invention will becomeapparent upon consideration of the following detailed description,wherein similar structures have like or similar reference numerals.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The present invention is directed to volatile material dispensers andmethods of emitting volatile materials therefrom. While the presentinvention may be embodied in many different forms, several specificembodiments are discussed herein with the understanding that the presentinvention is to be considered only as an exemplification of theprinciples of the invention, and it is not intended to limit theinvention to the embodiments illustrated.

Referring to the drawings, FIG. 1 depicts a volatile material dispenser50. The dispenser 50 may be adapted to accommodate a refill 52 anddispense a volatile material from the refill. The refill 52 generallyincludes a container 54 for holding the volatile material therein,wherein the container 54 is adapted to be retained within the dispenser50. The container 54 includes a body 58 for holding the volatilematerial and a neck 60 extending outwardly from the body 58 andproviding an opening into the container 54. A retaining mechanism 62 isdisposed within the neck 60 for holding a wick 64 with a first end ofthe wick 64 in contact with the volatile material and a second end ofthe wick 64 extending out of the container 54 through the neck 60. Thebody 58 includes a generally flat base portion 65 and four sidewalls 66extending upwardly from the base portion 65, and a top wall 68 thatjoins the sidewalls 66 to the neck 60.

Although a refill 52 is shown and described with particularity, it iscontemplated that any type of refill may be used with variations of thedevices described herein. For example, a refill with a flexiblecontainer may be utilized. Still further, the delivery system (i.e., thewick) may be different and/or the size and/or the shape of the containermay be different.

The volatile material disposed in the container 54 may include one ormore active ingredients. Exemplary active ingredients include, but arenot limited to, a cleaner, an insecticide, an insect repellant, aninsect attractant, a disinfectant, a mold or mildew inhibitor, afragrance, a disinfectant, an air purifier, an aromatherapy scent, anantiseptic, an odor eliminator, a positive fragrancing volatilematerial, an air-freshener, a deodorizer, or the like, and combinationsthereof. Additives may additionally be included in the volatilematerial, such as, for example, fragrances and/or preservatives.

The volatile material within the container 54 preferably includes lessthan about 1.0% by weight active ingredient, with the rest of thevolatile material being composed of water and other components that keepthe active ingredient suspended within the water. The volatile materialmore preferably includes less than about 0.50% active ingredient. Inillustrative embodiments, the active ingredient comprises one or morefragrance components.

Referring to FIG. 1, the dispenser 50 includes a housing 80 thatincludes a continuous sidewall 82 that is generally oblong in shape(i.e., straight edges and circular ends) and a top wall 84 having anopening 86 therethrough, wherein the opening 86 is generally oblong inshape. While the sidewall 82 of the housing 80 and the opening 86 aregenerally oblong in shape, the sidewall 82 and/or the opening 86 mayhave any other suitable shape and need not have the same shape. Forexample, one or both of the sidewall 82 and the opening 86 may besquare-shaped, rectangular, elliptical, circular, oval-shaped,pentagonal, hexagonal, or any other suitable geometric shape.

The dispenser 50 also includes a partial bottom wall 90, as best seen inFIG. 6, having an opening 92 disposed therethrough for insertion of therefill 52. Optionally, a hinged door, cover, or other selectivelyopenable cover may be connected to the bottom wall 90. Optionally, thehousing 80 and the refill 52 may be configured for the refill 52 to siton the surface and/or the refill 52 may be inserted through the sidewall82. As seen in FIGS. 1 and 3-5, a plurality of feet 94 may extend fromthe bottom wall 90 to support the dispenser 50 on a surface (not shown)and/or to space the bottom wall 90 of the dispenser 50 from the surface.Any number of feet 94 is possible. Referring to FIGS. 4 and 6, one ormore air flow openings 100 may be disposed within the bottom wall 90,for example, to aid in air flow through the dispenser 50, as will bediscussed in greater detail below.

As best seen in FIGS. 5 and 6, a cavity 110 is formed in a lower sectionof the dispenser 50, wherein the cavity 110 is in communication with theopening 92 in the bottom wall 90 for holding the refill 52. The cavity110 is formed by a refill housing 112 that includes a first section 113that extends generally along a length L and a width W of the dispenser50, as seen in FIGS. 5 and 6. The first section 113 is formed byvertical sidewalls 114 and a top wall 116 that form the refill housing112. The cavity 110 further includes a second section 118 that extendsupwardly from a center of the first section 113 and which is formed by acylindrical wall 122 extending upwardly from the top wall 116 and anannular wall 124 extending inwardly from the cylindrical wall 122. Therefill 52 is inserted through the opening 92 into the cavity 110 suchthat the neck 60 and the wick 64 of the refill 52 are disposed withinthe second section 118 of the cavity 110 and the container 54 of therefill 52 is disposed within the first section 113 of the cavity 110.After the refill 52 is inserted into the cavity 110, the hinged door orother cover, if present, is closed to retain the refill 52 within thecavity 110.

Referring to FIGS. 3, 4, and 6, a compartment 130 is formed between avertical sidewall 114 forming the cavity 110 and the housing 80. Acircuit board 132, for example, an application specific integratedcircuit, a microcontroller, or any other controller, is housed withinthe compartment 130. The circuit board 132 is electrically connected tobatteries 134, the location of which will be discussed in greater detailhereinbelow. A switch 136 extends from the circuit board 132, whereinactivation of the switch 136 turns the dispenser 50 on and off. Inparticular, a button 138 extends through a hole 140 within the housing80 such that the button 138 is accessible to a user of the dispenser 50.An actuator arm 142 extends from a rear side of the button 138 and ispositioned above the switch 136. When a user presses a front side of thebutton 138, the actuator arm 142 depresses the switch 136 to turn thedevice on or off. Optionally, the switch 136 may operate to alter anyfunction of the dispenser 50, for example, a fan speed, a volatilematerial emission rate, a light intensity, or another other suitablefunction. Still further, the dispenser 50 may include any number ofswitches that operate any number of different functions of the dispenser50. In an illustrative embodiment, the dispenser 50 includes anautomatic shut-off function that deactivates the dispenser 50 after aparticular period of time, for example, 3 hours.

A plurality of walls 160 extend upwardly from the top wall 116 of therefill housing 112, as seen in FIGS. 3-5, wherein the walls 160 form agenerally square-shaped cavity 162. A base 164 of a manifold 166 isdisposed within the square-shaped cavity 162 to provide stability andalignment to the base 164. The base 164 may also secured to the top wall116 using a plurality of fasteners. As seen in FIG. 5, the manifold 166includes opposing manifold walls 168 a, 168 b that curve inwardly from afirst end 170 of the manifold 166 adjacent the base 164, wherein themanifold 166 has a width W1 and a length L1, to a central portion 172 ofthe manifold 166, wherein the manifold has a width W2 and the length L1.At the central portion 172 of the manifold 166, a length of the manifold166 increases to L2, which is much greater than the length L1. Thelength L2 is generally constant between the central portion 172 and asecond end 174 of the manifold 166. As best seen in FIGS. 1-4, themanifold 166 terminates in an exit channel 176 that is generally linearin shape. While a linear exit channel 176 is depicted, the exit channel176 need not be linear, for example, the exit channel 176 may be curved,wavy, circular, square-shaped, or may have any other shape, pattern, orform. Referring to FIG. 6, the manifold 166 further includes a pluralityof ribs 178 that form guidance channels 180 within the manifold 166.Specifically, the channels 180 are formed between the ribs 178 to guidea mist through the manifold 166, as will be discussed in greater detailhereinafter, and to evenly distribute the mist across the length L2 ofthe manifold 166.

In an illustrative embodiment, the shape of the manifold 166 may change.For example, the manifold 166 may be constructed of a flexible materialand may be molded into different shapes by a user or a mechanical systemmay change the shape of the manifold 166, for example, based on aselection by a user and/or based on a pre-programmed pattern.

As best seen in FIG. 7, a piezoelectric assembly 200 is positionedadjacent the annular wall 124 disposed between the cavity 110 and themanifold 166. The piezoelectric assembly 200 includes a piezoelectricactuator 202, an actuator bracket 204, a wireform 206, and a spring 208.More specifically, the actuator 202 is held against an annular lower lip210 of the bracket 204, the spring 208 is positioned against an outeredge of the actuator 202, and the wireform 206 is disposed through a topof the bracket 209 to compress the spring 208 to retain the actuator 202in position. Ends of the wireform 206 are positioned around posts 212extending from the annular wall 124 to retain the piezoelectric assembly200 in position.

The piezoelectric actuator 202 includes a center hole 205 and an orificeplate 207 that extends across the hole 205 on an underside of theactuator 202. In an illustrative embodiment, the orifice plate 207includes a plurality of orifices having a diameter of between about 5microns and about 7 microns. The piezoelectric actuator 202 may be madefrom any material having piezoelectric properties and which causes thematerial to change dimensionally in a direction perpendicular to adirection of an applied electric field. Illustrative examples ofsuitable materials include, but are not limited to, lead zirconatetitanate (PZT) or lead metaniobate (PN).

While a particular piezoelectric actuator 202 is described, any actuator202 may be utilized, for example, a piezoelectric vibrating meshactuator, a piezoelectric standing wave actuator, a piezoelectricvibrating needle, or any other suitable piezoelectric actuator. Further,while a piezoelectric actuator is depicted, any type of actuator capableof emitting volatile material in the form of a mist may be utilized, forexample, a heater, a venturi, or any other suitable actuator.

Referring to FIG. 6, when the refill 52 is inserted into the cavity 110,the wick 64 thereof contacts the orifice plate 207. When an electricfield is applied to the piezoelectric actuator 202, the piezoelectricactuator 202 expands and contracts in a radial direction, therebycausing the orifice plate 207 to vibrate in an axial direction, forcingvolatile material retained within the pores of the orifice plate 207away from the piezoelectric actuator 202 and into the manifold 166. Thedispenser 50 may be configured to continuously actuate the piezoelectricactuator 202. In this manner, a continuous mist of volatile material isemitted from the dispenser 50. Alternatively, the piezoelectric actuator202 may be deactivated for short periods of time and/or the flow ratefrom the piezoelectric actuator 202 may change to create different mistpatterns (and/or different lighting patterns, as discussed in detailbelow).

Referring to FIGS. 4, 6, and 8, an air flow generator 220, for example,a blower, a fan, and/or any other suitable device(s) for creating a flowof air, is disposed above the compartment 130. Air is forced from theair flow generator 220 at a rate of between about 0.2 cubic feet perminute (CFM) and about 1.0 CFM. In an illustrative embodiment, air isforced from the air flow generator at a rate of about 0.4 CFM. The airflow from the air flow generator 220 may be a function of a length L2 ofthe manifold. More specifically, as the length L2 increase, the air flowrate will increase. An air flow rate factor is defined as the air flowrate (CFM) per length (inch). In an illustrative embodiment, the airflow rate factor is between about 0.04 CFM/inch and about 0.16 CFM/inch.In a further illustrative embodiment, the air flow rate factor isbetween about 0.06 CFM/inch and about 0.10 CFM/inch. In yet anotherillustrative embodiment, the air flow rate factor is about 0.08CFM/inch. The flow of air may be static in that the rate of air flowdoes not change or the flow of air may be dynamic. In an illustrativeexample, the flow of air may change for intervals of, for example, 1second, 2 seconds, 5 seconds, or any other time interval to create aneffect. In yet another illustrative embodiment, the rate of air flowfrom the air flow generator 220 may be changed continuously to createdifferent effects. Any number of dynamic air flow patterns may becreated. Still further, a user may be allowed to select from a number ofdifferent air flow patterns including a static pattern and/or one ormore dynamic patterns.

In a further embodiment, the air flow generator 220 may be turned offsuch that the air flow rate is 0 CFM. In such an embodiment, the mistemitted from the piezoelectric actuator 202 is forced out of themanifold 166 and is not entrained within a flow of air.

The air flow generator 220 is held in place by a fan bracket 222 havingan upper bracket 224 and a lower bracket 226. As seen in FIG. 4, thelower bracket 226 is affixed to the top wall 116 of the refill housing112 by any suitable means, for example, fasteners. The lower bracket 226further includes an opening 228 therethrough. The upper bracket 224 isconnected to the lower bracket 226 by any suitable means and includes acavity 230 into which a motor 232 of the air flow generator 220 is pressfit. The motor 232 includes a shaft 233 extending downwardly therefrom,wherein an impeller 234 is press fit onto an end of the shaft 233 torotate the impeller 234 upon activation of the motor 232. The impeller234 is aligned with the opening 228 to draw air through the openings 100in the bottom wall 90 of the housing 80, wherein the air flow generator220 creates a positive pressure that pushes air upwardly through thehousing 80 along air flow paths 240 (only some of which are labeled), asseen in FIGS. 4 and 5. The air flow paths 240 and the flow of airthrough the dispenser 50 will be discussed in greater detailhereinafter.

As best seen in FIGS. 3, 5, and 6, a support structure 260 is connectedby fasteners or other suitable means to the top wall 116 forming thecavity 110, to an inner surface 262 of the housing 80, and/or to theupper bracket 224 of the fan bracket 222. The support structure 260 maybe generally oblong in shape and includes inner and outer walls 264, 266spaced from one another and forming a compartment 268 therebetween. Asseen in FIG. 3, the batteries 134 may be disposed in the compartment 268and electrically connected to the circuit board 132 for powering thedispenser 50. Optionally, the dispenser 50 may include a cord extendingfrom the housing 80, for example adjacent the circuit board 132, forplugging into a conventional electrical outlet. Still optionally, thedispenser 50 may include a universal serial bus (USB) port 271 forconnecting a USB plug 273 (as seen in FIG. 1) that can power thedispenser 50 and/or transfer information, such as volatile materialemission programs, lighting programs, and/or air flow programs, to thedispenser 50. For example, a USB power cable may be coupled between theUSB plug 273 of the dispenser 50 and a personal computer, such as, forexample, a computer, a tablet, a mobile phone, and the like. The USBpower cable may allow serial communications between the dispenser 50 andthe personal computer such that a user of the personal computer maycontrol the dispenser 50, for example, the air flow rate of the air flowgenerator 220, the output rate of the piezoelectric actuator 202, and/orthe intensity of LEDs 300. Still further, the USB power cable may allowa user of the personal computer to selected a program, as discussedabove, and/or create their own program. The dispenser 50 may include oneor more of the disclosed power supplies.

The inner wall 264 of the support structure 260, as seen in FIG. 9,extends to the top wall 84 of the housing 80 and functions to guide theflow of air from the air flow generator 220 around the manifold 166.Specifically, the inner wall 264 includes a first set of baffles 280extending inwardly from a peripheral surface 283 thereof. The baffles280 are shown as having alternating air blocking members 284 and gaps286 that are generally rectangular or square-shaped, but the baffles 280may take any other suitable form.

A second set of baffles in the form of vertical plates 290 extendsinwardly from the peripheral surface 283 of the inner wall 264 of thesupport structure 260 above the first set of baffles 280. The airblocking members 284 of the baffles 280 and the vertical plates 290 mayextend from the support structure 260 to the manifold 166 to force airthrough air flow paths 240 created thereby. Specifically, air is forcedto move through the gaps 286 formed by the first set of baffles 280 andbetween adjacent vertical plates 290. In this manner, the flow of air isdistributed evenly through each of the air flow paths 240 around themanifold 166 such that the flow of air exits the opening 86 evenlyaround the entire manifold 166.

While the flow of air from the air flow generator 220 is disclosedherein as taking an air flow path around the manifold 166, the air flowpath may alternatively or additional move through the manifold 166 andcarry the volatile material out of the manifold 166. In an illustrativeembodiment, the flow of air moves around the manifold and through themanifold.

The top wall 84 of the housing 80 may be selectively attached to thesupport structure 260 or the sidewall 82 of the housing 80. Inparticular, it may be preferable that the batteries 134 be accessible toa user for ease in replacement thereof. The top wall 84 may therefore beattached to the support structure 260 and/or the sidewall 82 of thehousing 80 by a snap fit, a friction fit, or any other suitable methodby which the top wall 84 may be easily removed.

One or more light sources 300 may be located within the housing 80. Thelight sources 300 may comprise any suitable light sources, for example,one or more light emitting diodes (LED), halogen bulbs, and/orincandescent bulbs, and the light sources 300 may emit any color oflight. For example, in an illustrative embodiment, one or more of theLEDs 300 may be yellow or amber in color to create the illusion of aflame. In another illustrative embodiment, one or more of the LEDs 300may be blue in color to create the illusion of a waterfall. Optionally,any other natural phenomena may be emulated with any number of differentLEDs 300. Optionally, one or more of the LEDs 300 could be blue, white,red, green, or any other suitable color. Further, the LEDs 300 need notbe the same color and/or one or more of the LEDs 300 may be amulti-color LED and the color thereof may change. While thirteen LEDs300 are depicted, any suitable number of LEDs 300 may be utilized.

In an illustrative embodiment, as best seen in FIG. 9, thirteen LEDs 300are positioned within the gaps 286 formed by the first set of baffles280. In particular, as seen in FIG. 9, a single LED 300 is depicted on aboard 302 that is attached to the air blocking members 284 and extendsacross the gaps 286. The LED 300 is connected to the board 302 andincludes appropriate wiring to connect the board 302 to the circuitboard 132. In the illustrated embodiment, the board 302 may impedemovement of air through the gaps 286, in which case, apertures 304 maybe formed in the baffles 280 to allow air to move therethrough. Each LED300 may be disposed on a separate board or a single board 302 may extendalong the baffles 280 on one side of the dispenser 50 for holding aplurality of LEDs 300. Optionally, the LEDs 300 may be positioned in anylocation that allows light to be projected out of the opening 84 andonto the mist of volatile material emitted from the dispenser 50.

In an illustrative embodiment, the LEDs 300 may be positioned below thetop wall 84 of the housing 80 and may be longitudinally aligned within aprofile of the opening 86. More specifically, the LEDs 300 may be spacedalong a longitudinal axis 306 and within an area of the opening 86. Inthis manner, when looking directly down into the dispenser 50 (as seenin FIG. 2), the LEDs 300 may be seen within the profile of the opening86. Alternatively, the LEDs 300 may be placed immediately below theopening 86, within the profile of the opening 86, and/or adjacent theopening 86.

The LEDs 300 may have a total luminosity output of less than about 50lumens depending on a number of LEDs 300. In an illustrative embodiment,the total luminosity output of the LEDs 300 is about 16 lumens. Inanother illustrative embodiment, the total luminosity output of the LEDs300 is about 1 lumen. The light emitted by the LEDs 300 may be static inthat the luminosity of the LEDs 300 remains constant or the lightemitted by the LEDs 300 may be dynamic. In an illustrative embodiment,the LEDs 300 may continuously flicker, the luminosity of the LEDs 300may change on a periodic basis, and/or any other dynamic lightingpatterns may be implemented. Still further, a number of lightingpatterns may be available and selectable by a user. Still optionally,the dispenser 50 may include a switch or other mechanism to allow a userto turn the LEDs 300 on and off and/or may include a program thatautomatically turns the LEDs 300 on and off, for example, at particulartimes of the day. Additionally, the dispenser may contain a light sensorto measure the ambient light surrounding the dispenser and adjust theintensity of the LEDs accordingly.

During use of the dispenser 50, any number of the components (i.e., theair flow generator 220, the piezoelectric actuator 202, and the LEDs300) may be activated. If the piezoelectric actuator 202 is activated,the volatile material is continuously dispensed as a mist into themanifold 166 and released through the exit channel 176 of the manifold166. A droplet size of the volatile material after emission by thepiezoelectric actuator 202 is driven by the particular volatile materialformulation, but may be about 10 microns or less. If the air flowgenerator 220 is activated, air is forced along the flow paths 240 andthrough the opening 84, the volatile material mist becomes entrained inthe air flow and is carried away from the dispenser 50. As seen in FIG.1, a direction of movement 340 of the volatile material mist and thedirection of air flow 342 are parallel and/or coincident. While a fewflow paths for the volatile material mist and the air flow are depictedin FIG. 1, it should be understood that the volatile material mist isemitted through an entire length of the exit channel 176 and air isreleased around the entire opening 84, thereby surrounding the exitchannel 176 and the volatile material mist with the flow of air. If theLEDs 300 are activated, the amber color (or other color) of the LEDs 300is projected into the moving mist, which creates a real lookingsimulated flame.

A height of the mist emitted from the dispenser 50 is dependent on theair flow from the air flow generator 220 and the humidity conditions inthe surrounding area. For example, if the humidity in the surroundingarea is high, the mist lingers longer and tends to rise and, if thehumidity in the surrounding area is low, the mist dissipates morequickly and does not rise as much. The dispenser 50 may be equipped witha humidity sensor that may detect the humidity in the surrounding area.Based on the readings of the humidity sensor, the dispenser 50 mayautomatically adjust the air flow rate of the air flow generator 220and/or the output rate of the piezoelectric actuator 202 to optimize theuser experience.

In an illustrative embodiment, the dispenser 50 is capable of providinga pleasant scent and a simulated flame without heat or actual fire. Inthis manner, the dispenser 50 functions at ambient temperature to createwhat appears to be a real flame (and not just a flickering light).

While not shown in the figures, the dispenser 50 may include a shroundthat is formed as part of the sidewall 82 of the housing 80 or as aseparate piece and attached to the housing 80 adjacent the top wall 84.If used, the shround may generally surround the opening 86 to enclosethe mist and the simulated flame. In this manner, the simulated flameappears to more realistic. The shroud may be of any height, size, and/ormaterial, but is preferably clear or translucent to allow a user to viewof the simulated flame.

The dispensers disclosed herein may further include one or more openingsin the housing to allow for the volatile material to be dispensed fromthe housing to the surrounding environment. The housing may include avariety of internal implements to help secure the various refillsdisclosed herein, such as, for example, snaps, ridges, undercuts, lips,notches, and/or other attachment methods. The dispensers may optionallyinclude one or more refills and may operate using a variety of timingsequences as known in the art.

Any of the embodiments described herein may be modified to include anyof the structures or methodologies disclosed in connection with otherembodiments.

Further, although directional terminology, such as front, back, upper,lower, vertical, horizontal, etc. may be used throughout the presentspecification, it should be understood that such terms are not limitingand are only utilized herein to convey the orientation of differentelements with respect to one another.

All documents cited in the Detailed Description of the Invention are, inrelevant part, incorporated herein by reference; the citation of anydocument is not to be construed as an admission that it is prior artwith respect to the present invention.

INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY

The present invention provides volatile material dispensers and methodsof dispensing volatile materials in the form of a mist. In combinationwith an air flow generator and/or light sources, a life-like simulatedflame or waterfall may be created to provide a relaxing ambiance.

Numerous modifications to the present invention will be apparent tothose skilled in the art in view of the foregoing description.Accordingly, this description is to be construed as illustrative onlyand is presented for the purpose of enabling those skilled in the art tomake and use the invention and to teach the best mode of carrying outsame. The exclusive rights to all modifications which come within thescope of the appended claims are reserved.

We claim:
 1. A portable volatile material dispenser comprising: ahousing having a top wall and at least one side wall; an opening formedwithin the top wall of the housing; a volatile material actuatordisposed within the housing; a manifold in fluid communication with andextending between the volatile material actuator and the opening to movevolatile material in the form of a mist from the volatile materialactuator, through the manifold, and out the opening; a container holdinga fluid, wherein the container is disposed within the housing and influid communication with the volatile material actuator; an air flowgenerator disposed within the housing and positioned to create a flow ofair out of the dispenser through the opening for moving the mist fromthe dispenser.
 2. The portable dispenser of claim 1, wherein thevolatile material actuator is selected from the group consisting of: avibrating mesh piezoelectric actuator, a venturi, a vibrating needlepiezoelectric actuator, an aerosol, and a standing wave piezoelectricactuator.
 3. The portable dispenser of claim 1, wherein air from the airflow generator is directed in a manner selected from the groupconsisting of: through the manifold; around the manifold; and boththrough the manifold and around the manifold.
 4. The portable dispenserof claim 3, wherein the air from the air flow generator is directedaround the manifold and exits the opening around a perimeter of theopening and wherein a direction of movement of the volatile materialmist and a direction of the air flow are parallel.
 5. The portabledispenser of claim 3, wherein the housing includes a plurality ofbaffles adapted to direct air flow through vertical air flow pathsaround the manifold.
 6. The portable dispenser of claim 1, wherein themanifold includes a first end forming an airflow entrance having a firstlength and a first width and a second end forming an airflow exit havinga second length and a second width, wherein the second length is greaterthan the first length and the second width is less than the first width.7. The portable dispenser of claim 6, wherein the airflow exit of themanifold is linear.
 8. The portable dispenser of claim 1, wherein theflow of air from the air flow generator is dynamic.
 9. The portabledispenser of claim 1, further including one or more light sourcesdisposed within the housing, wherein the light sources are disposedbelow the opening in the top wall of the housing and longitudinallyaligned with a profile of the opening to emit light longitudinally outof the opening.
 10. The portable dispenser of claim 1, wherein the fluidin the container is a volatile material comprising at least water andless than about 0.2% fragrance components.
 11. The portable dispenser ofclaim 9, further including a light sensor for determining ambient lightaround the dispenser.
 12. A portable volatile material dispensercomprising: a housing; an opening formed within a wall of the housing; avolatile material actuator spaced from the opening for dispensing mistthrough the opening; a container holding a fluid, wherein the containeris disposed within the housing and in communication with the volatilematerial actuator to transport the fluid to the volatile materialactuator; an air flow generator within the housing and positioned tocreate a flow of air out of the dispenser through the opening for movingthe volatile material in the form of a mist from the dispenser; and atleast one light emitting diodes longitudinally below and aligned with aprofile of the opening for illuminating the mist emitted from thedispenser to simulate a flame.
 13. The portable dispenser of claim 12,further including a manifold in fluid communication with the volatilematerial actuator and the air flow generator to direct the mist from thevolatile material actuator, wherein the air from the air flow generatoris directed in a manner selected from the group consisting of: throughthe manifold; around the manifold; and both through the manifold andaround the manifold.
 14. The portable dispenser of claim 13, wherein themanifold has a shape that is selected from the group consisting of:linear, circular, square-shaped, and a wave.
 15. The portable dispenserof claim 12, wherein the volatile material actuator is selected from thegroup consisting of: a vibrating mesh piezoelectric actuator, a venturi,a vibrating needle piezoelectric actuator, an aerosol, and a standingwave piezoelectric actuator and wherein emission of volatile materialfrom the actuator is interrupted to change an effect of the simulatedflame.
 16. The portable dispenser of claim 12, further including ahumidity sensor for detecting a humidity of an area surrounding thedispenser.
 17. The portable dispenser of claim 12, further including auniversal serial bus port for connecting a universal serial bus plugbetween the dispenser and a personal computer.
 18. The portabledispenser of claim 12, further including a light sensor for detectingambient light surrounding the dispenser.
 19. A method of simulating aflame in a portable volatile material dispenser, the method comprisingthe steps of: dispensing mist from a volatile material actuator withinthe portable dispenser, wherein the mist is dispensed through an openingin the portable dispenser; providing a flow of air through the openingto move the mist out of the dispenser; and illuminating portions of themist to create the illusion of a flame or waterfall.
 20. The method ofclaim 19, further including the steps of: directing the mist through afirst end of a manifold having a first width and a first length and outa second end of the manifold having a second width and a second length,wherein the second width is greater than the first width and the secondlength is less than the first length; and directing the flow of airthrough a plurality of air flow paths surrounding the manifold, whereinthe air flow paths and the mist are parallel and the flow of airentrains the mist therein.
 21. The method of claim 19, further includingthe steps of: providing a plurality of light sources to illuminate theportions of the mist; and positioning the light sources below theopening and longitudinally aligned with a profile of the opening to emitlight longitudinally out of the opening.
 22. The method of claim 19,wherein the step of dispensing mist includes substantially continuouslydispensing the mist from the volatile material actuator and wherein themethod further includes the step of interrupting the continuousdispensing of the mist.